Blue Jackets: Bjorkstrand returns for road trip to Pittsburgh

by Clay Hall

Florida Panthers' Michael Matheson, left, tries to clear the puck away from and Columbus Blue Jackets' Oliver Bjorkstrand, of Denmark, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 16, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

COLUMBUS -- Certainly a possible playoff preview Tuesday night in Pittsburgh as the Blue Jackets return with one of their young guns.

Winger Oliver Bjorkstrand was a real boost in the lineup after a call up from Cleveland, scoring six goals and five assists in 22 games.

He's recovered from injury and could give the Jackets sagging offense a lift.

Bjorkstrand has been out since March 22 when he was checked from behind into the boards by Toronto's Roman Polak in the opening minute of the third period. The Danish winger was bleeding from his face as he headed to the locker room, and he was ultimately unable to return to the contest.

"Maybe we just need to shoot the puck more," Bjorkstrand told reoporters Monday. "We certainly want to score more goals going into the playoffs."

More young blood will be in the lineup against the Pens as Sonny Milano was called up Monday. "The reports we continue to get on him is he's playing that well," Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella said.